The market for design objects is small and exclusive – only copies make them suitable for mass consumption. Despite apparent close similarities, deciding attributes are often lost in the process.

Above: chair by Milena Krais

Such copies insult the original, even if at heart they are compliments to the original idea. “Copy by Kueng-Caputo” explores the limits of plagiarism, with much respect and a touch of irony. A selection of current design objects, exhibited at the DMY Berlin, serves as the raw material. Each of the design trophies is closely observed, analyzed, and virtually dismantled, in order to recognize its specific character.

On the one hand, the attempt to copy an original provides creative inspiration. On the other, the process aims at filtering out a significant aspect of a chosen object in order to exaggerate and honor it.

Above: stool by Yiannis Ghikas

The dialogue between original and copy thus represents an homage to the authors. And the originality of the copy reveals how inspiring such a discourse can be.